Bathing garments and methods for using same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are bathing garments and methods for showering, for example, outdoors after outdoor activities, such as various sports, fitness competitions, or obstacle races. In one aspect, the bathing garment includes a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed garments.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/482,689, filed Apr. 7, 2017, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to bathing garments and methods forshowering outdoors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After participating in outdoor activities, such as outdoor obstacleraces, that involve crawling through mud or steep mud climbs can leaveparticipants dirty and muddy. Often, showering facilities are notavailable due to the remoteness of the location or the circumstances ofthe activity. Commonly, muddy participants are relegated to being rinsedoff by a water hose in their dirty clothes. However, this rinsing off isnot very effective since lots of dirt and mud remain under the dirtyclothes. Moreover, these participants have to continue to wear thesedirty clothes since private changing rooms are not available.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a water-resistant, bathing garmentthat, when worn in public, allows a wearer to be effectively shower orrinse off and change clothes in privacy, and can be used to store dirtyclothing after showering. This need and other needs are satisfied by thevarious aspects of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied andbroadly described herein, the invention, in one aspect, relates to abathing garment, for example, for showering outdoors after outdooractivities, such as various sports, fitness competitions, or obstacleraces.

In an exemplary aspect, the invention relates to a bathing garment, thegarment comprising: a tubular body panel having an interior surface andexterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edgedefining a second opening, the body panel comprising: a plurality ofapertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel,and at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust at leastone opening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

In another exemplary aspect, the invention relates to a method forshowering using a bathing garment, the method comprising the steps of:a) using a bathing garment for showering outdoors, the garmentcomprising: a tubular body panel having an interior surface and exteriorsurface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edge defininga second opening, the body panel comprising: a plurality of aperturescontained within the first and second edges of the body panel, and atleast one closure means configured to selectively adjust at least oneopening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position; andh) showering in public.

In further aspects, the invention also relates to methods for using thedisclosed garments and devices.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or can be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means ofthe elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the inventionand together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 shows a depiction of a bathing garment in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a depiction of a bathing garment worn by a user inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a depiction of a bathing garment in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a depiction of a bathing garment in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention and the Examplesincluded therein.

Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or methods aredisclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are notlimited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, orto particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, ofcourse, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology usedherein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and isnot intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similaror equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice ortesting of the present invention, example methods and materials are nowdescribed.

Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated,it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construedas requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order.Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order tobe followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated inthe claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to aspecific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in anyrespect. This holds for any possible non-express basis forinterpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangementof steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammaticalorganization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects describedin the specification.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by referenceto disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection withwhich the publications are cited.

A. Definitions

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to belimiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term“comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientificterms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In thisspecification and in the claims, which follow, reference will be made toa number of terms which shall be defined herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an aperture”includes two or more apertures.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or toanother particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspectincludes from the one particular value and/or to the other particularvalue. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use ofthe antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular valueforms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpointsof each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the otherendpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understoodthat there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each valueis also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition tothe value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then“about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unitbetween two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amountor value in question can be the value designated some other valueapproximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as usedherein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unlessotherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey thatsimilar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in theclaims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations,parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and neednot be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, asdesired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off,measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those ofskill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter orother quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether ornot expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” isused before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes thespecific quantitative value itself, unless specifically statedotherwise.

The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like,where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, andare used to distinguish one element from another, unless specificallystated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase“optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixedto a surface.

Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the discloseddevices and articles of the invention as well as the materialsthemselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These andother materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that whencombinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials aredisclosed that while specific reference of each various individual andcollective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot beexplicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and describedherein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussedand a number of modifications that can be made to the materials arediscussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination andpermutation of the material and the modifications that are possibleunless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class ofmaterials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D,E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed,then even if each is not individually recited each is individually andcollectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F,C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise; any subset orcombination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-groupof A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept appliesto all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, stepsin methods of making and using the articles and devices of theinvention. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can beperformed it is understood that each of these additional steps can beperformed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of themethods of the invention.

It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein havecertain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirementsfor performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that thereare a variety of structures that can perform the same function that arerelated to the disclosed structures, and that these structures willtypically achieve the same result.

B. Bathing Garments and Methods for Use

As briefly described above, the present disclosure relates, in variousaspects, to bathing garments and methods for using the disclosedgarments, such as for bathing of showering outdoors in public areas orwith groups of people, for example, as is done after participating inoutdoor obstacle races that can involve activities such as crawlingthrough mud or steep mud climbs, or the like. In further aspects, thedisclosed bathing garments can allow people to rinse off in public withtotal privacy and an option for cleaning and rinsing your body from headto toe. The bathing garments can be comprised of a water-resistant orwater-proof material such that water will wick off as you clean yourbody and hair. Once a user has cleaned and/or rinsed themselves whileusing the presently disclosed bathing garment, the user can then changeinto their clean clothes with the continued privacy. Moreover, thebathing garment can also allow the person who has just rinsed off tohave a place to carry their dirty clothes and shoes when the bathinggarment can be reconfigured by the user to be a water-resistant sack ortote.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a bathing garment forshowering outdoors, the garment comprising: a tubular body panel havingan interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a firstopening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panelcomprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first andsecond edges of the body panel, and at least one closure meansconfigured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fullyopen position to a fully closed position.

In various aspects, the bathing garment can comprise many variousconfigurations and shapes. In further aspects, the body panel can have asubstantially tubular or cylindrical shape, having first and secondsopenings, for example, that would allow a user to step into and/orsubstantially surround a user's body.

In further aspects, the first and second openings comprise at least oneclosure means. In still further aspects, at least one opening comprisesa plurality of closure means. In yet further aspects, the closure meanscan be encased in at least one body panel edge. In even further aspects,at least one opening can comprise a first closure means and a secondclosing means.

In some aspects, the closure means can comprise a channel with twooppositely placed openings, the channel being formed at an edge of thebody panel. In further aspects, a cord located within the channel, thecord having two opposing ends configured to be drawn through theopenings of the channel to adjust the opening from a fully open positionto a fully closed position. In still further aspects, the channel can becomprised of an elastic material configured to flexibly open and closean opening. In yet further aspects, there can be a collar about theopening, the collar made of an elastic material.

In further aspects, at least one closure means can define the outermostedge of at least one opening. In still further aspects, the closuremeans can define the outermost edge of the channel. In yet furtheraspects, the closure means comprises a drawstring, strap, cord, cord orstrap locks, zipper, fasteners, and combinations thereof. In someaspects, at least one closure means defining the outermost edge of theat least one opening can comprise a zipper, a fastener, or a combinationthereof. The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the first andsecond openings comprise a drawstring. In other aspects, at least oneopening can comprise a first closure means comprising a drawstring and asecond closing means comprising a zipper.

In further aspects, the garment can be configured to create a bag uponclosing of a closing means on at least one opening. In still furtheraspects, after the bag is filled with contents, a second closing meansat a second opening can be configured to close to secure the contents.In some aspects, the garment can be configured to create a bag when afirst drawstring is pulled tight to close a first opening. In otheraspects, after the bag is filled with contents, a second drawstring at asecond opening can be configured to close to secure the contents. Invarious aspects, the drawstrings can be configured to be used to carrythe bag as a tote or backpack.

In various aspects, the garment comprises a plurality of apertures toallow users to access their clothing and bodies under the garment. Infurther aspects, the garment can comprise a plurality of apertures at afirst position on the body panel and a plurality of apertures at asecond position on an opposite side of the body panel. In yet furtheraspects, the garment can comprise a plurality of apertures at a firstposition on the body panel and a plurality of apertures at a secondposition from about 120 degrees to about 180 degrees away from the firstposition. In some aspects, the garment comprises two apertures at afirst position on the body panel and two apertures at a second positionon an opposite side of the body panel. In other aspects, the garmentcomprises two apertures at a first position on the body panel and twoapertures at a second position from about 120 degrees to about 180degrees away from the first position.

In further aspects, the body panel comprises a left edge and a rightedge, and the apertures can be positioned on the left edge and rightedge. In still further aspects, the apertures can be positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the first or second openings of the bodypanel. In some aspects, the apertures can comprise a closure meansconfigured to selectively adjust aperture opening size from a fully openposition to a fully closed position.

In various aspects, the garment can comprise at least one pocketattached to at least one surface of the body panel, for example, toallow for the storage of a bar of soap or a shampoo bottle or comb, orthe like. In further aspects, comprising a plurality of pockets attachedto at least one surface of the body panel. In still further aspects, thegarment can comprise at least one pocket attached to an interior surfaceand an exterior surface of the body panel.

In various aspects, the body panel can be comprised of a water-resistantor water-proof material. In further aspects, the material can comprise afabric, laminated material, film, sheet, coated fabric, or combinationsthereof. In still further aspects, the fabric can comprise a wovenfabric, non-woven fabric, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, orcombinations thereof. In yet further aspects, the material can comprisea thermoplastic material, thermoplastic sheet or fabric material or asheet of waterproof material such as neoprene, nylon, polypropylene,polyurethane, vinyl plastic or the like. In some aspects, the body panelcan be comprised of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), poly(ethylene-vinylacetate) (PEVA), or a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl, or the like.

In further aspects, the material can have a waterproof rating of atleast about 10,000 mm, or “mm/24 hours” rating, which refers to theamount of rainfall a fabric can withstand in a 24-hour period. In stillfurther aspects, the material can have a waterproof rating of at leastabout 15,000 mm. In yet further aspects, the material can have awaterproof rating of at least about 20,000 mm.

In some aspects, the material can be reusable, and can withstandmultiple uses. In other aspects, the material can be disposable, such aswith materials used for disposable trash bags, ponchos, and the like. Infurther aspects, the invention can comprise a plurality of garmentsdetachably connected to one another, for example, the plurality ofgarments can be connected at an edge such that a user can peel away asingle garment when needed.

In various aspects, the garment can be configured and sized to fit allbody types and sizes. In further aspects, the garment can be unisex, forexample, it can be configured to fit men and women. In still furtheraspects, the garment can have a thickness of at least about 5 mm. In yetfurther aspects, the garment can have a thickness of at least about 10mm. In even further aspects, the garment can have a thickness of atleast about 15 mm. In some aspects, the garment can a thickness in therange of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed bathinggarments. For example, in another exemplary aspect, the presentdisclosure provides a method for a method for bathing or showeringoutdoors using a disclosed bathing garment. In further aspects, themethod comprises the steps of: a) using a bathing garment for showeringoutdoors, the garment comprising: a tubular body panel having aninterior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a firstopening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panelcomprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first andsecond edges of the body panel, and at least one closure meansconfigured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fullyopen position to a fully closed position; and b) bathing or showering inpublic.

In further aspects, the step of bathing or showering can compriserinsing off in public, being rinsed off by another person in thepresence of others, or combinations thereof.

In various further aspects, the step of using can comprise at least oneof: wearing the garment, stepping into the body panel of the garment,pulling an opening of the garment up to a user's chest level, tighteningthe closure means such that the opening is secure around the user'sbody, placing a portion of the closure means around the user's neck suchthat the garment does not move down the user's body, removing a firstarticle of clothing by inserting one hand into at least one sideaperture and pull down on the first article of clothing; one's upperclothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changinggarment; removing a second article of clothing by pulling up on aportion of the second article that is not covered by the garment whileensuring the garment remains in place, or combinations thereof.

In further aspects, the method can further comprise at least one of:replacing the second article of clothing with a different article ofclothing directly over the garment, replacing the first article ofclothing by stepping into a different article of clothing and insertingat least one hand into at least one side aperture in order to pull thedifferent article of clothing up to the user's waist underneath thegarment; loosening the closure means and removing the closure means fromaround the neck, sliding the garment down the user's body to the groundand stepping out of the garment, or combinations thereof.

In further aspects, the method can further comprise at least one of:securely closing a closing means of at least one opening to create abag; filling the bag with the removed article of clothing; closing aclosing means of the other opening to secure the contents; and using theclosing means to carry the garment as a backpack or tote. In stillfurther aspects, the garment can be configured to create a bag when afirst drawstring is pulled tight to close a first opening. In yetfurther aspects, after the garment is filled with contents, a seconddrawstring at a second opening can be configured to close to secure thecontents. In even further aspects, the drawstrings can be configured tobe used to carry the bag as a tote or backpack. In still furtheraspects, the garment can provide: privacy and prevents exposure ofprivate areas of the user's body during the showering step.

According to various aspects of the invention, the bathing garments ofthe present disclosure can comprise multiple configurations. FIGS. 1-4show various views and methods for using an inventive bathing garment inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In further aspects, FIG. 1 show various features and components of anexemplary bathing garment 100 comprising: a tubular body panel 102having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining afirst opening 104 a and second edge defining a second opening 104 b, thebody panel comprising: a plurality of apertures contained within thefirst and second edges of the body panel, a first closure means 106 acomprising a first drawstring 108 a configured to selectively adjust thesize of the first opening 104 a from a fully open position to a fullyclosed position, and a second closure means 106 h comprising a seconddrawstring 108 h configured to selectively adjust the size of the secondopening 104 h from a fully open position to a fully closed position. Asshown in FIG. 1, the bathing garment can comprise a plurality ofopenings 110 in the body panel shown as a side opening on one sidecorresponding to a first side, and another side opening (not shown) onan opposite side, the openings being configured to allow access insidethe bathing garment for removal of soiled clothing, bathing or washingbody parts, and donning clean clothing after showering. In still furtheraspects, the garment comprises a pocket 112 for holding articles, suchas for example, soap or grooming articles. In yet further aspects, theclosure means includes a channel with two oppositely placed openings,the channel being formed at an edge of the body panel; and a drawstringlocated within the channel, the drawstring having two opposing endsconfigured to be drawn through the openings of the channel to adjust thesize of the opening from a fully open position to a fully closedposition, and positions therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bathing garment 100 is configured to be worn bya user to allow for showering and changing clothes, while coveringprivate areas of the user's body. After the first opening 104 a ispositioned in the desired location (e.g., around the chest or waist),the first drawstring 108 a is drawn through the respective openings tosecure the garment around the body and the first drawstring 108 a isplaced around the user's neck to hold the garment in place, such aswhile the person is removing clothing, during the process of showeringor washing body parts. The side opening 110 allows the user interioraccess to permit removal of soiled clothing and washing of body partslocated inside the garment. After removing soiled clothing and washingsoiled body parts, the user can then put on a portion of clean clothing,such as bottoms, using the second opening 104 b. The user can then wearremaining portions of clean clothing, such as tops, over the bathinggarment, remove the first drawstring 108 a from their neck, loosen theclosure means, and slide the bathing garment 100 down and off the body.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bathing garment 100 can be configured tobe used as a bag or tote, for example for carrying a clean change ofclothes before bathing and for carrying soiled clothing after bathing.FIG. 3 shows the first drawstring 108 a drawn tight to completely closethe first opening 104 a. The user can then place their desired contents,such as soiled clothing, inside the garment 100 through the secondopening 104 b. As shown in FIG. 4, after the garment 100 is filled withthe desired contents, the second drawstring 108 h can be pulled tight tocompletely close the second opening 104 h and secure the contents withinthe garment. The first drawstring 108 a and second drawstring 108 h canthen be used to carry the bag as a tote or worn as backpack. As would beappreciated by one of skill in the art, the sequence of steps can bealtered such that second opening is closed before placing the contentsin the garment and the first opening is closed to secure the contentswithin the garment. In further aspects, the garment can be comprised ofa water-proof or water-resistant material which allows the water todrain off during rinsing or showering.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the invention includes atleast the following aspects:

Aspect 1: A bathing garment for showering outdoors, the garmentcomprising: a) a tubular body panel having an interior surface andexterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and second edgedefining a second opening, the body panel comprising: i) a plurality ofapertures contained within the first and second edges of the body panel,and ii) at least one closure means configured to selectively adjust atleast one opening size from a fully open position to a fully closedposition.

Aspect 2: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the first andsecond openings comprise a closure means.

Aspect 3: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein at least oneopening comprises a plurality of closure means.

Aspect 4: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the closure meansis encased in at least one body panel edge.

Aspect 5: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein at least oneopening comprises a first closure means and a second closing means.

Aspect 6: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the closure meanscomprises: a channel with two oppositely placed openings, the channelbeing formed at an edge of the body panel; and a cord located within thechannel, the cord having two opposing ends configured to be drawnthrough the openings of the channel to adjust the opening from a fullyopen position to a fully closed position.

Aspect 7: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the channel iscomprised of an elastic material configured to flexibly open and closean opening.

Aspect 8: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising acollar about the opening, the collar being made of an elastic material.

Aspect 9: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein at least oneclosure means defines the outermost edge of at least one opening.

Aspect 10: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein a closure meansdefines the outermost edge of the channel.

Aspect 11: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the at least oneclosure means defining the outermost edge of the at least one openingcomprises a zipper, a fastener, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 12: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the closure meanscomprises a drawstring, strap, cord, cord or strap locks, zipper,fasteners, and combinations thereof.

Aspect 13: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the first andsecond openings comprise a drawstring.

Aspect 14: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein at least oneopening comprises a first closure means comprising a drawstring and asecond closing means comprising a zipper.

Aspect 15: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment isconfigured to create a bag upon closing of a closing means on at leastone opening.

Aspect 16: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein after the bag isfilled with contents, a second closing means at a second opening isconfigured to close to secure the contents.

Aspect 17: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment isconfigured to create a bag when a first closure means or drawstring ispulled tight to close a first opening.

Aspect 18: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein after the garmentis filled with contents, a second closure means or drawstring at asecond opening is configured to close to secure the contents.

Aspect 19: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the closure meansor drawstrings are configured to be used to carry the bag as a tote orbackpack.

Aspect 20: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garmentcomprises a plurality of apertures at a first position on the body paneland a plurality of apertures at a second position on an opposite side ofthe body panel.

Aspect 21: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garmentcomprises a plurality of apertures at a first position on the body paneland a plurality of apertures at a second position from about 60 degreesto about 180 degrees away from the first position.

Aspect 22: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garmentcomprises two apertures at a first position on the body panel and twoapertures at a second position on an opposite side of the body panel.

Aspect 23: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garmentcomprises two apertures at a first position on the body panel and twoapertures at a second position from about 60 degrees to about 180degrees away from the first position.

Aspect 24: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the body panelcomprises a left edge and a right edge, and wherein the apertures arepositioned on the left edge and right edge.

Aspect 25: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the apertures arepositioned substantially perpendicular to the first or second openingsof the body panel.

Aspect 26: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the aperturescomprise a closure means configured to selectively adjust apertureopening size from a fully open position to a fully closed position.

Aspect 27: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising atleast one pocket attached to at least one surface of the body panel.

Aspect 28: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising aplurality of pockets attached to at least one surface of the body panel.

Aspect 29: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising atleast one pocket attached to an interior surface and an exterior surfaceof the body panel.

Aspect 30: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the body panel iscomprised of a water-resistant material.

Aspect 31: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the body panel iscomprised of a water-proof material.

Aspect 32: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proofmaterials comprises a fabric, laminated material, film, sheet, coatedfabric, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 33: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the fabriccomprises a woven fabric, non-woven fabric, natural fabric, syntheticfabric, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 34: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proofmaterial comprises a thermoplastic material, thermoplastic sheet orfabric material or a sheet of waterproof material such as neoprene,nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, vinyl plastic or the like.

Aspect 35: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the body panel iscomprised of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate)(PEVA), or a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, or the like.

Aspect 36: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proofmaterial has a waterproof rating of at least about 10,000 mm.

Aspect 37: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proofmaterial has a waterproof rating of at least about 15,000 mm.

Aspect 38: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the water-proofmaterial has a waterproof rating of at least about 20,000 mm.

Aspect 39: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the material isdisposable.

Aspect 40: The garment of any preceding claim, further comprising aplurality of garment detachably connected to one another.

Aspect 41: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment isconfigured to fit men and women.

Aspect 42: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment isunisex.

Aspect 43: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment can athickness of at least about 5 mm.

Aspect 44: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment can athickness of at least about 10 mm.

Aspect 45: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment can athickness of at least about 15 mm.

Aspect 46: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment can athickness in the range of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

Aspect 47: A method for showering outdoors using a bathing garment, themethod comprising the steps of: a) using a bathing garment for showeringoutdoors, the garment comprising: a tubular body panel having aninterior surface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a firstopening and second edge defining a second opening, the body panelcomprising: a plurality of apertures contained within the first andsecond edges of the body panel, and at least one closure meansconfigured to selectively adjust at least one opening size from a fullyopen position to a fully closed position; and h) showering using thegarment.

Aspect 48: The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step ofshowering comprises rinsing off in public, or being rinsed off byanother person in the presence of others, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 49: The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step of usingcomprises at least one of: wearing the garment, stepping into the bodypanel of the garment, pulling an opening of the garment up to a user'swaist or chest level, tightening the closure means such that the openingis secure around the user's body, placing a portion of the closure meansaround the user's neck such that the garment does not move down theuser's body, removing a first article of clothing by inserting one handinto at least one side aperture and pull down on the first article ofclothing; one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upper portionof the changing garment; removing a second article of clothing bypulling up on a portion of the second article that is not covered by thegarment while ensuring the garment remains in place, or combinationsthereof.

Aspect 50: The method of any preceding claim, further comprising atleast one of: replacing the second article of clothing with a differentarticle of clothing directly over the garment, replacing the firstarticle of clothing by stepping into a different article of clothing andinserting at least one hand into at least one side aperture in order topull the different article of clothing up to the user's waist underneaththe garment; loosening the closure means and removing the closure meansfrom around the neck, sliding the garment down the user's body to theground and stepping out of the garment.

Aspect 51: The method of any preceding claim, further comprising atleast one of: securely closing a closing means of at least one openingto create a bag; filling the bag with the removed article of clothing;closing a closing means of the other opening to secure the contents; andusing the closing means to carry the garment as a backpack or tote.

Aspect 52: The method of any preceding claim, wherein the garment isconfigured to create a bag when a first drawstring is pulled tight toclose a first opening.

Aspect 53: The method of any preceding claim, wherein after the bag isfilled with contents, a second drawstring at a second opening isconfigured to close to secure the contents.

Aspect 54: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the drawstringsare configured to be used to carry the bag as a tote or backpack.

Aspect 55: The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garmentprovides privacy and prevents exposure of the user's body during theshowering step.

While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in aparticular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this isfor convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand thateach aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in anystatutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no wayintended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed asrequiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly,where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims ordescriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it isno way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect.This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation,including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps oroperational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization orpunctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in thespecification.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. Thedisclosures of these publications in their entireties are herebyincorporated by reference into this application in order to more fullydescribe the state of the art to which this pertains. The referencesdisclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated byreference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed inthe sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is tobe construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitledto antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, thedates of publication provided herein can be different from the actualpublication dates, which can require independent confirmation.

The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and caninclude other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Suchother examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theyhave structural elements that do not differ from the literal language ofthe claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A bathing garment for showering outdoors, thegarment comprising: a) a tubular body panel having an interior surfaceand exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening and secondedge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: i) aplurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges ofthe body panel, and ii) at least one closure means configured toselectively adjust at least one opening size from a fully open positionto a fully closed position.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the firstand second openings comprise a closure means.
 3. The garment of claim 2,wherein the closure means is encased in at least one body panel edge. 4.The garment of claim 3, wherein the closure means comprises at least oneof: a drawstring, strap, cord, cord lock, strap lock, zipper, andfastener.
 5. The garment of claim 4, wherein the closure meanscomprises: a channel with two oppositely placed openings, the channelbeing formed at an edge of the body panel; and a cord located within thechannel, the cord having two opposing ends configured to be drawnthrough the openings of the channel to adjust the opening from a fullyopen position to a fully closed position.
 6. The garment of claim 5,wherein the garment is configured to create a bag upon closing of aclosing means on at least one opening.
 7. The garment of claim 6,wherein the garment is configured to create a bag when at least one of:a first drawstring is pulled tight to close a first opening and a seconddrawstring is pulled tight to close a second opening.
 8. The garment ofclaim 4, wherein the garment comprises a plurality of apertures at afirst position on the body panel configured to allow access to aninterior of the garment.
 9. The garment of claim 8, wherein the bodypanel comprises a left edge and a right edge, and wherein at least oneaperture is positioned on the left edge and right edge.
 10. The garmentof claim 9, wherein the apertures are positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the first or second openings of the body panel.
 11. Thegarment of claim 10, further comprising at least one pocket attached toat least one surface of the body panel.
 12. The garment of claim 8,wherein the garment is comprised of a water-resistant or water-proofmaterial.
 13. The garment of claim 12, wherein the water-proof materialhas a waterproof rating of at least about 10,000 mm.
 14. A method forbathing using a bathing garment, the method comprising the steps of: a)wearing the bathing garment of claim 12; and b) bathing or showeringusing the bathing garment.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the stepof bathing or showering is outdoors.
 16. A method for bathing using abathing garment, the method comprising the steps of: a) using a bathinggarment, the garment comprising: a tubular body panel having an interiorsurface and exterior surface, a first edge defining a first opening andsecond edge defining a second opening, the body panel comprising: aplurality of apertures contained within the first and second edges ofthe body panel, and at least one closure means configured to selectivelyadjust at least one opening size from a fully open position to a fullyclosed position; and b) showering or bathing with the bathing garment.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of showering comprises atleast one of: rinsing off; and being rinsed off by another person in thepresence of others.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step ofusing comprises at least one of: wearing the garment, stepping into thebody panel of the garment, pulling an opening of the garment up to auser's waist or chest level, tightening the closure means such that theopening is secure around the user's body, placing a portion of theclosure means around the user's neck such that the garment does not movedown the user's body, removing a first article of clothing by insertingone hand into at least one side aperture and pull down on the firstarticle of clothing; one's upper clothing which is now on top of theupper portion of the changing garment; removing a second article ofclothing by pulling up on a portion of the second article that is notcovered by the garment while ensuring the garment remains in place, orcombinations thereof.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising atleast one of: replacing the second article of clothing with a differentarticle of clothing directly over the garment, replacing the firstarticle of clothing by stepping into a different article of clothing andinserting at least one hand into at least one side aperture in order topull the different article of clothing up to the user's waist underneaththe garment; loosening the closure means and removing the closure meansfrom around the neck, sliding the garment down the user's body to theground and stepping out of the garment.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising: securely closing a closing means of at least oneopening to create a bag; filling the bag with contents; closing aclosing means of the other opening to secure the contents; and using theclosing means to carry the garment as a backpack or tote.